Decatur Family YMCA — Attraction in Decatur

DISCLAIMER: This will be a long one. Today was my first time at this YMCA. I’m a 90’s baby and grew up in the YMCA from sports to after school programs to summer camps, I did it all and now that I have a child of my own I was hoping to give her the same experience. Two minutes, yes TWO MINUTES after dropping my 3 year old off at the children’s center I get a notification that I needed to return the center. To my surprise nothing was wrong but the center associate proceeds to tell me that she called my daughters name and she didn’t respond and in her experience that would conclude that my daughter was on “the spectrum” and she just wanted to “make sure”. Of course I was taken back and lost for words because as I said this was our 1st time here. I explained to her that like ANY toddler this is a new environment, other children and a lots of toys so I’m sure she was just trying to feel everything out. And don’t forget it had been ONLY 2 minutes, so within those 2 minutes of interacting with my child you find it acceptable to diagnose her with a condition? I find this extremely rude, inappropriate and insensitive. I proceed to workout and when I return to pick up my daughter the same employee informs me that they had “a rough time”. When asked what happened all she said was “she was doing dangerous activities” and “when I walk up to her she just runs”. Again, what happened? What were the dangerous activities? And if this did transpire why wasn’t I notified? You had no problem notifying me when you took it upon yourself to provide a diagnosis but not when my child is in “danger”? Ok… I guess. I witnessed 2 parents come and pick up their little ones and this employee was all smiles and cheerful. But when it came to me and my daughter it seemed like she was aggravated and annoyed. I can’t help but think that me and my child where discriminated against. I’m warning any parent that 1. Is young and African American 2. Has a child that is shy or not outgoing or 3. That has any type of disability DON’T GO HERE! Your child deserves to be cared for and treated the same as everyone else regardless of race, disability, gender etc. And they will NOT provide any notification when your child is in “danger”. It’s not safe! I never would have expected this interaction but I guess the YMCA standards and policies have changed since I attended and...

Great place to workout on your own, but the kids programs are awful. We started with "ballet" for our three year old here and two bratty little girls ran circles around the teacher. She spent most of her time scolding them and warning them, not teaching anything. We tried the "horse camp" one summer that promised to give the kids lots of time in the saddle. The kids got 45 minutes. The rest of the time was spent sitting in the shade, watching counselors flirt and text. Later we tried gymnastics which was a good first start but once it came to joining the team, we realized the Y's aspirations are way beyond its means. The equipment has to be set up and taken down every session. They do it quickly and without really checking to make sure everything is right. In the year we were there, three girls broke bones during practices. The coaches are bored teenagers who spend most of their time staring at their phones or sitting on the floor rather that doing any actual coaching. I was embarrassed for the team at meets because other coaches were enthusiastically cheering on their teams, the Y coaches just sat there, barely acknowledging that one of their girls had just performed. The other teams sparkled and shined for the judges, the Y team didn't know how to smile or salute because their coaches didn't teach them. The final straw for our gymnastics experience was when one of the "coaches" cornered my daughter at a practice and pinned her against a wall asking, "Why don't you like me?" Maybe she doesn't like you because you're a threatening ass, just a thought. That ended our experiment with the Y's children's programs. I realize that most of their "coaches" are volunteers, but there has to be more training and oversight for them. The Y's programs might be a good way for your kids to try a sport, but once they show talent or real interest in an activity, if you can afford it, move them to a better facility with caring,...

8/1/20 Changing to 4 stars. You must reserve a lane to swim an hour before and no earlier than 24 hours ahead. I called 15 minutes before the time slot after I saw a free lane and I was allowed to swim, so more flexible with rules. I was annoyed that I had to walk all the way around the pool to shower before swimming when no one was outside the pool aside from the life guard, but Covid-19 rule. The life guard was very careful about wiping down shower handles, so that was positive. Also, you can use the lockers now, which is helpful as I make multiple trips to the car forgetting things. Also, I don't have to change at work now. I think this location will be a 5 once things are back up and running.

The YMCA is not very crowded these days. There is a sign stating Glad You Are Sticking With Us. I booked a 6:15 pm appointment to swim. Approximately at 5:45 pm, I was called to say it was thundering, so I may not want to swim. I appreciated the call, but I mentioned that I could swim at 6:30 which is the time they had the thunder watch until. I was told to wait 5 more minutes after arrival, so I entered the pool around 6:35ish. At exactly 7pm, I was told that I had to exit the pool, although no one else was in the pool and only one person was waiting for the 7:15 spot. When I asked why I could not swim a bit more, I was told this is their rules. Other rules include must wear a mask, no bag or changing in the bathroom or showering or supplied towel. So, you are checking in with a YMCA card, keys, googles, flip flops, towel and cap in hand. You have to sign a covid release on a tablet each time despite having a temperature check. I believe they are afraid of a law suit, but should be more aware of patrons they...